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GPS-enabled shoes will give Alzheimer's caregivers peace of mind

By GCN Staff

Nov 14, 2011

Shoes with Global Positioning System technology could help track down people with dementia when they wander off, Agence France-Presse reports.

GTX Corp. teamed with the footwear company Aetrex Worldwide to develop the shoes, which will have a GPS device in their heels. Caregivers or family members will be able to use the shoes to create what the AFP story calls a "geofence" for seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive problems. The GPS system sends out an alert if the person wearing the shoes ventures beyond a designated area.

The Federal Communications Commission certified the system for the shoes earlier this year.

The retail price of the shoes, which will be available this month, is $300.

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Reader Comments

Wed, Nov 16, 2011
Steve

I work search and rescue. These might work sometimes, but I had a mission in the winter when the patient wondered off without shoes (and was found deceased.) Also the shoes might induce complacency in the caregivers, so that they are not as concerned or aware of the patient's whereabouts.

Tue, Nov 15, 2011

What if grandpa forgets to put on his shoes for his walk? Seriously, a better tool for the kids as already noted.

Tue, Nov 15, 2011

When the price comes down where the average mom and pop can afford them, it would be great to see shoes like these for tykes to teens.

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